I remember all the times my mother planned something special for our family, but none of us fully appreciated her efforts. In fact, we were anything but grateful, my sister and I would argue, disobey, or go crazy.
Meanwhile, all Mom wanted was a photo, a way to forever capture a sweet moment with her babies that she knew she wouldn’t get back.
As with most things in life, I didn’t appreciate the magic and memories my mother wanted to capture with our family until I became a mom. Now I’m the one collapsing in the car when my perfectly laid plans for a sweet family day are upended by a missed nap, a tantrum over snacks, or some other childhood prejudice I couldn’t plan for.
The incessant effort of motherhood
Such sadness often comes from exhaustive planning, from the endless effort moms put into the event, with no one willing to appreciate or celebrate the experience she wants to create.
That said, why not give her a head and heart break this Mother’s Day and treat her to an experience that leaves her feeling rested? If you’re willing to go the extra mile with the kids, she can end the day with a refreshed body and a content heart filled with sweet memories.
Don’t know where to start? I’ve created a list of 12 experience-based Mother’s Day gifts that will spark your creativity and allow you to create an unforgettable yet relaxing holiday for that special mom in your life:
1. Plant workshop
One of the local plant stores in my town offers monthly classes, including how to grow your own herbs or build your own terrarium. If that special mom in your life loves collecting plants or is an outdoor gardening guru, check with nearby plant stores or nurseries to see if they offer special events.
If she wants to include children, most plant stores that offer classes for adults also have classes suitable for children. Our plant store organizes a “Kids Korner” every month in which adults can also participate.
2. Cooking/pastry classes
Does your mother like to spend free time in the kitchen, cooking, cooking and trying new recipes? Consider enrolling her in a cooking or baking class so she can have a unique experience while building her recipe box.
Can’t find cooking or baking classes nearby? Bring him the learning! Ask a close relative or friend to come over one evening to lead a free lesson, sharing a favorite family recipe or special dessert. If you want to get the kids involved, let them choose a recipe to try with Mom, but you clean up the mess, no matter how wild it is.
Remember, it’s not about the money you spend, it’s about the memories you allow it to create!
3. Meeting with animals
I’m a mother of two and I’m in my 30s, but I still love visiting the zoo. Our nearby zoo offers special encounters with giraffes and sloths at a reasonable price, and all the animal-loving moms in your life would appreciate an opportunity like this!
I live in East Tennessee where tons of farms have public events. One farm offers a “coffee with a Highland cow” experience, where a local coffee vendor offers you drinks while you pet, take photos with, and enjoy their Highland cows.
Get creative by researching what your nearby zoo and/or commercial farms offer.
PS – I find most of these experience-based deals by following zoos and farms on their Facebook pages. This is often where you get early access to limited tickets and events.
4. Paint and sip
It’s a classic, so whether or not that special mom in your life is a true artist, it’s therapeutic to have a special drink, sit down in front of a blank canvas, and create something beautiful.
Whether you live in a big city or a small rural town, paint and sip events are popular and easy to find. If mom has a few close friends and her budget is flexible, consider purchasing enough tickets so she can bring a few.
Many of these places also offer kids’ classes, so if mom wants the little ones to take them, be sure to buy tickets for a kids-only class.
5. Pottery date
Unless I’m watching a show that I know my husband doesn’t like, I usually want him to do just about everything with me. I like to spend quiet time and enjoy my hobbies in peace, but that doesn’t mean I want to do these things alone all the time.
Husbands, if it’s been a while since you and your wife have had a date, may this Mother’s Day be a perfect excuse to try a pottery class with her. My husband and I tried a pottery class together for the first time a few months ago, and it was such a lovely time. Bonus points we got for keeping several pieces of pottery we made!
PS – Don’t forget to go the extra mile by already coordinating a babysitter for the kids and reserving a table for dinner at their favorite restaurant.
6. Bookstore Madness
If the mom in your life is a book lover, give her a gift card to the nearest bookstore, but don’t let the gift stop there. Drive her to the bookstore and let her browse the aisles for as long as she wants.
If the bookstore has a cafe or gift shop, make sure she gets her favorite drink and leaves with books.
I’m an avid reader, but aside from the Bible, I’ve never had my husband read an entire book in our eight years of marriage. So every time he spends an entire afternoon following me around the bookstore, it’s not so much the books that are special as the feeling that he’s doing something that bores him to tears so I can feel seen and loved.
Once again, it’s the memories, friends. And sometimes, the sweetest memories come from sacrificing a little bit of yourself!
7. Museum visit
Is mom a history guru? Does she have a favorite subject? I’m a die-hard Titanic and WWII enthusiast, so my husband took me not only to a Titanic museum, but also to a special aviation museum that displays WWII planes and puts on air shows with these original planes.
Take the time to find nearby museums that feature bits of history or topics mom loves. Buy her a ticket and dinner, and make it a sweet experience she won’t forget.
8. Concert tickets
While most moms (at least little ones) are forced to listen to what their kids like, make sure she can listen to her favorite songs by purchasing concert tickets.
Whether it’s a small band at a nearby lawn concert or a big-name artist at a huge arena a few hours away, allow him to indulge in the music that brings him joy.
PS: Go the extra mile and buy a parking space in advance so she doesn’t spend the evening regretting wearing her heels!
9. Spa day
It’s an original, so you won’t get points for creativity, but you can’t go wrong with a good spa day gift for mom. Whether it’s a pedicure/manicure gift card or a visit to the nearby massage therapist, give them a few hours alone to take care of their body. Let her know she deserves this special treat!
If you want the kids to join in the fun, ask them to pack a special little basket of nail polish that she can take to the salon or a new pair of comfy sweatpants that she can wear to her massage.
10. Photography session
A few years ago, I treated my mother to a Mommy+Me photoshoot with me, my sister, and my oldest son. What I love about this gift is that it is an experience that lasts a lifetime.
Many photographers are offering maternity photoshoots on Mother’s Day, so it shouldn’t be difficult to book a session.
If the images come back over time, you can have them printed and framed, or made into canvases.
11. A day at home for yourself
This might sound a little boring, but for a busy (tired) mom, just enjoying the quiet time alone at home is such a gift! On my birthday last year, part of my gift was my husband taking our oldest son to play and letting me watch my favorite TV show.
For about three hours, it was just me, a tub of ice cream, and one of my favorite shows. Truly, this remains one of my favorite birthday gifts I’ve ever received.
Something this basic can still grant that special mom in your life the rejuvenation and relaxation she needs to feel truly celebrated and loved. Don’t neglect simple actions, especially when you’ve put a lot of thought and effort into them!
12. Flower Bar Tickets
Give Mother’s Day flowers a special touch by buying your mom a ticket to a flower bar. A flower bar is an event hosted by a florist or nursery, where fresh pre-cut flowers are displayed so that each guest can create their own bouquet.
Bonus points if you offer to dry the flowers once they’ve faded, so she’ll keep them as a keepsake!
The gift of motherhood
I just gave birth to my second son a few weeks ago, and right before his debut, my husband bought me a “push gift” – a gift that the father gives to the mother for the birth. Although I love the beautiful maternity necklace he bought that perfectly represents our two boys, I told him the greatest gift was our healthy, beautiful sons.
We moms know that we already have the best gift for Mother’s Day, our babies. We want to enjoy them and know that they are happy, healthy and, above all, seeking God in their daily lives.
So if the budget is tight or time is limited to create that special Mother’s Day gift, don’t count out a special phone call, handwritten note, or surprise dinner where you can thank her for being a mom. Make a list of your favorite memories she created for you or create a poem focused on your favorite things about her.
Remember, motherhood is the true gift, so don’t be afraid to let her know that motherhood is where she shines the most!
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/skynesher
